Ohio medical advocates pass first step towards ballot initiative

The Ohio Patient Network has turned over of a petition with 2,143 signatures in the first step toward putting medical marijuana before voters. The proposed "Ohio Alternative Treatment Amendment" would amend the state constitution to allow patients with qualifying ailments to possess up to 3.5 ounces of cannabis, or up to 12 plants. If 1,000 signatures are validated and the language of the proposed amendment is approved, it will be before Buckeye voters on the November 2012 ballot. (WLWT, Cincinnati, Aug. 1; The Other Paper, Columbus, July 28)